University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn Tops Illinois To Give Auriemma 400th Career Win
12/10/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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| Connecticut's Ashja Jones (15) cuts between Illinois' Cindy Dallas (50) and Yolanda Smith (00) in the first half. (AP Photo/Robert K. O'Daniell) |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. Senior All-American Shea Ralph scored a season-high 24 points as she directed the unbeaten and No. 1 nationally-ranked University of Connecticut women's basketball team to a 97-55 road win over Illinois, handing UConn head coach Geno Auriemma his 400th collegiate coaching victory.
UConn, a spotless 7-0 on the year and riding a 24-game winning streak dating back to the mid-point of the 1999-2000 national championship season, jumped to a 30-point halftime lead (55-25) and coasted to the victory.
The triumph for Auriemma saw his superb 16-year overall record at Connecticut improve to 400-95 (80.8% winning effort).
In addition to Ralph's 24-point effort (9-of-11 from the field), UConn got 15 points from two-time senior All-American Svetlana Abrosimova (6-of-7 from the field), 12 points from junior Swin Cash, and 10 points from senior Christine Rigby who scored in double figures for the first time in her Husky career.
After taking its 30-point halftime lead, Connecticut built its advantage as high as 48 points (89-41) before settling for the 42-point margin of victory.
UConn finished the game hitting on 55.4% of its field goal attempts (36 of 65) and the Huskies chalked up 26 assists on its 36 baskets with junior guard Sue Bird leading the way with 10 assists. UConn also sported a 41-26 rebounding edge with Tamika Williams pulling down 10.
Illinois, 3-5 on the overall season, was led offensively by Iveta Marcauskaite with 12 points and Shavonna Hunter added 10. The Illini shot 38.9% from the field (21 of 54)
UConn will be idle for 11 days during fall semester final exams. The Huskies return to action on Friday, December 22, hosting Wake Forest University at 2 p.m. at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs. The UConn-Wake Forest game will be televised live by Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and will be carried on the UConn/WTIC Radio Network.
